Virtual Duo Kiepi Unveils Dazzling Pre-Debut Solos: CERA’s ‘BLINK’ and RENA’s ‘FREAKY’ Ignite Anticipation
The stage is set for a new era of virtual pop as Kiepi, the dynamic duo from SM ENTERTAINMENT JAPAN and STUDIO REALIVE, drops two mesmerizing pre-debut solo tracks, ‘BLINK’ and ‘FREAKY,’ featuring CERA and RENA respectively.
On February 3rd at 6 PM JST, the virtual artist duo Kiepi, composed of CERA and RENA, made a splash with the simultaneous release of their individual solo songs. The music videos for CERA’s “BLINK” and RENA’s “FREAKY” premiered, and both tracks became available across various streaming platforms, marking a significant step in their journey.
CERA’s “BLINK”: A Dreamy Journey of Self-Discovery
CERA’s solo track, “BLINK,” captivates listeners with its light, impressive chord progression, evoking the feeling of a leisurely stroll through a dream. The song’s rhythm, which shifts between gentle flows and sudden accelerations, mirrors the sensation of waking from a dream. Its dreamy and mysterious lyrics add a profound depth to the otherwise airy melody, making it a key element of the track’s charm.
CERA shared her thoughts on the song, stating, “‘BLINK’ was a challenging song for me as it was different from my original style. While I felt the pressure of debuting and anxieties about not performing well, the light and bouncy melody always brought a sense of calm to my heart. But upon hearing the finished product, it also felt like a song that secretly anticipates the future, making it a track that will surely illuminate various moments for listeners.”
Experience the dream:
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Download & Streaming: https://nex-tone.lnk.to/BLINK
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Music Video: https://youtu.be/Xx1rF3f_2w
RENA’s “FREAKY”: An Energetic Leap Towards the Future
RENA’s solo track, “FREAKY,” is characterized by a melody that feels like opening a door to a long-awaited future, complemented by a rhythm reminiscent of footsteps eagerly rushing through it. The lyrics convey a powerful message of “shining with your own unique brilliance,” perfectly capturing the excitement of new beginnings.
RENA’s enthusiasm for the song is palpable: “From the first listen, I knew it was my song! It expresses my vibes and power to the fullest. Every time I sang it, I felt myself getting charged up. It’s such an exciting song that when I walk while listening to it, I feel like, ‘Alright, let’s go! I’m gonna do a model walk!’ (laughs). It truly became a song that gives me energy and power. It’s the strongest song, packed with positive, bright energy and cute, pop power!”
Feel the power:
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Download & Streaming: https://nex-tone.lnk.to/FREAKY
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Music Video: https://youtu.be/ccmeUZ_ErOU
Two Sides of the Same Coin: Kiepi’s Contrasting Charms
Both CERA and RENA expressed their excitement for the release. RENA suggested enjoying the contrasting appeal of the two songs, perhaps “FREAKY” for the commute and “BLINK” for the journey home, or “BLINK” during the weekdays and “FREAKY” on weekends. She hopes listeners will wonder, “What will happen when two artists with such opposite songs team up?” and look forward to Kiepi’s future activities. CERA added that these two tracks serve as the opening for Kiepi’s upcoming episodes, hoping they will introduce many people to their duo. She also pledged to work hard to show a more developed side of Kiepi.
The unique visual designs for CERA and RENA were created by the celebrated illustrator Mori Kurara, known for character designs like Kizuna AI and vα-liv. Mori Kurara also shared a congratulatory message for the duo’s release, further highlighting the artistic talent behind Kiepi.
The contrasting nature of “BLINK” and “FREAKY” seems to illuminate the distinct strengths of CERA and RENA, making them shine even brighter together. This blend of divergent yet strongly appealing personalities only heightens the anticipation for Kiepi as a team.
About Kiepi
“Kiepi” is a virtual artist duo comprising Yuzuki CERA and Amane RENA, who were introduced as virtual artist trainees by SM ENTERTAINMENT JAPAN and STUDIO REALIVE in August 2025. The group name “Kiepi” is a portmanteau of “Key” and “Episode,” signifying their role as central figures who unlock and drive the narrative of their story.
Connect with Kiepi
Follow Kiepi’s journey and immerse yourself in their world through their official channels:
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Kiepi Official Accounts
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Trainee Era Account
- V-TRAINEE’s DIARY YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@VTRSDIARY
About Illustrator Mori Kurara
Mori Kurara is a renowned illustrator who has contributed to the designs of virtual beings such as Kizuna AI, the liver idols “vα-liv” from “PROJECT IM@S,” and characters for the plastic model series “Sōsaku Shōjo Teien.” They have also created illustrations for popular franchises like Hatsune Miku and Pokémon Card.
The Future of Kawaii: Kiepi’s Global Impact
Kiepi’s debut with these contrasting yet complementary tracks is more than just a musical release; it’s a testament to the evolving landscape of Kawaii culture. By blending the established pop expertise of SM Entertainment with cutting-edge virtual artistry, Kiepi is poised to charm audiences worldwide. Their unique concept of “Keys to the Episode” suggests an ongoing narrative that will likely resonate with fans who appreciate depth and storytelling in their idols. As virtual entertainment continues to blur the lines between reality and digital, Kiepi’s dual debut offers a glimpse into how Japanese Kawaii culture is expanding its reach, inviting global audiences to become part of their unfolding story.
